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MPC approves two subdivisions despite opposition

Residents protested in both cases, but two subdivision proposals, one in Powell and one in West Knox County, gained Metropolitan Planning Commission approval Thursday.

MPC approved subdivision concept plans and use-on-review requests for Beaver View Farms, on West Emory Road, and for Ashton Grove, on South Northshore Drive, although members of the audience at the City County Building raised traffic and other issues.

He was referring to Beaver View Farms, which is a 61-lot subdivision proposed on 15 acres on the west side of West Emory Road south of Cate Road. Rufus H. Smith Jr. is the applicant.

Krise said the proposal will greatly increase traffic. According to an MPC planning staff report, the subdivision is estimated to generate 658 average daily trips by people living in the subdivision.

'It is right across from Cate Road,' Krise said. 'It is 15 feet from my driveway, 20 feet maybe, and I don't feel that I'll be able to get in and out. I can't get in and out now because of Cate Road.'

David Simpson, another resident, said there have already been many accidents at Cate and Emory roads.

Josh Sanderson, representing the developer, said the proposal meets zoning guidelines that allow slightly more than the number of dwellings proposed. Cindy Pionke, with the Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works, said there have been nine collisions within the last three years at Emory and Cate Road.

'At this point, this intersection does not show up high on our list of intersections that need improving,' she said.

However, Pionke said the county could do a traffic light study if requested, and MPC Commissioner Elizabeth Eason asked that she start that process. MPC approved the Beaver View Farms request unanimously.

Ashton Grove is a 7-lot subdivision planned for 1.6 acres on the northeast side of South Northshore Drive south of Sandpiper Lane. Sonja Haney, Bluegrass Road resident, said that the property got rezoned from agricultural to planned residential around 2006 without the neighborhood's awareness.

'We feel that to cram seven houses in — although the PR (planned residential) zoning does allow for this — is not compatible with our neighborhood,' she said.

Richard LeMay, representing applicant Daniel Parker, said the project has been scaled down from an original eight units that were approved. MPC approved the request unanimously.

Read or Share this story: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/2016/06/09/mpc-approves-two-subdivisions-despite-opposition/91008704/